Aboriginal Manager Suicide Prevention

Manager, Aboriginal Suicide Prevention

System Reform 

Grade 11/12

Full Time Permanent

Salary range: $145,378 - $168,130 and employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading. 

Please note: The advertised salary will increase by 3%, effective from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2025

The Mental Health Commission of NSW is seeking a passionate and experienced Aboriginal person to lead strategic, whole-of-government reform to reduce lives lost to suicide in Aboriginal communities across NSW.  This is an Aboriginal identified role, open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants in accordance with Section 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). 

Role of Mental Health Commission NSW

The Mental Health Commission of NSW is a statutory agency, working to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the community.  We are committed to ensuring people live well on their own terms, having the services and supports they need. 

The Commission works with government agencies, peak bodies, community-managed organisations, academics, advocacy groups and service providers. We believe this approach, with close collaboration in all aspects of our work, will achieve stronger services and better outcomes for all people in NSW.

Visit us at: http://www.nswmentalhealthcommission.com.au

Primary Purpose of the Role 

The Manager Aboriginal Suicide Prevention leads and manages the suicide prevention portfolio, overseeing the development of whole-of-government Aboriginal statewide suicide prevention plans. The role also provides strategic advice, support and guidance to NSW Government public sector agencies to develop action plans and monitors the impact of government action to drive meaningful reform.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead and project manage the development, writing and implementation of an Aboriginal whole-of-government suicide prevention plan, ensuring alignment with expert advice provided by an Aboriginal suicide prevention advisory council and drive projects aligned with this suicide prevention plan.
• Provide advice, support and guidance to NSW government public sector agencies to develop their suicide prevention actions plans, fostering stakeholder engagement through effective communication, negotiation, and collaboration.
• Provide expert, evidence-based strategic advice and reports to the Directors, Commissioner, Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Council and NSW Government public sector agencies to strengthen suicide prevention efforts and policy settings.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of statewide and government action plans, identifying priorities for reform and continuous improvement, and develop progress reports.
• Facilitate collaboration across government agencies, and with Aboriginal people with lived and living experience of suicide, promoting a social determinants approach to suicide prevention.
• Lead and manage a small team including out-sourced professional contracts, ensuring delivery of key milestones and outcomes by undertaking literature reviews and evidence checks to determine best practice suicide prevention approaches and initiatives.
• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation strategies, including risk management, benefits realisation, and impact assessment to ensure project effectiveness, and manage, coordinate and report on the progress of suicide prevention efforts as required by the Minister for Mental Health.
• Support the Office of the Commissioner by providing expert advice and information for inquiries, submissions and policy advice.

Key Challenges

•  Managing complex and sensitive consultations and negotiations with diverse stakeholders, within agreed timelines, given their varying expectations, viewpoints and interests.
• Achieving multiple project objectives, given limited resources and tight deadlines, and the need to identify project interdependencies and balance competing demands and priorities.

Essential Criteria

• This is a position identified for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people on the basis of a genuine occupational qualification under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
• Proven ability to act with integrity, manage self, display resilience and courage.
• Strong political acumen and proven ability to communicate (written and oral) effectively, work collaboratively, influence, facilitate and negotiate with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Extensive suicide prevention experience and skills in delivering complex projects and preparing well-structured, concise reports.
• Relevant qualifications or extensive industry experience.
• Extensive experience in managing and developing people, inspiring direction and purpose.

How to apply

For applications to be considered, candidates must upload a current resume and a cover letter of 2 page maximum outlining your interest in the role and also how you meet the essential criteria. The cover letter is to outline your capabilities and experience relevant to this role. 

For more information on how to apply for a role in the NSW Public Sector please click here.

Click here for the role LINK TO PD HERE 

For role related queries or questions contact Julie Dixon, Director System Reform preferably by email Julie.dixon@health.nsw.gov.au

Applications close: Monday 21 July (11:59PM) – Internal & External